shu1031

Haruto Kirigami is a brilliant and handsome high school student who keeps his looks and real self behind unkempt hair, glasses, and an icy attitude. Haunted by a painful past, he has issues with trust and likes to be alone, keeping everyone at arm's length.

Nasaki Kitta, a lovely and smart girl, has secret feelings for Haruto but keeps them hidden behind a genial and calm surface. Even though she has such feelings, it is hard for her to approach him because he is antisocial.

With small, silent moments—such as brief conversations in the library, shared glimpses in the hallway, and small gestures of kindness—their bond slowly begins to develop. As Haruto's walls begin to break down, Nasaki becomes a beacon of warmth and compassion in his otherwise icy existence.

The narrative weaves through key high school moments: a school festival where Haruto comes out of his shell, a home visit that introduces Nasaki to his secret world, and a touching graduation where Haruto finally accepts the future with renewed hope.

Curtains of the heart

It was just another day at school, but something was off. The atmosphere was more carefree, the voices of students louder, and for once, Haruto Kirigami did not feel so completely disconnected from reality.

The class was abuzz with discussion regarding club activities. Some of the students were already looking forward to events, others half-heartedly filled out forms for participation, and Haruto, as always, had no plans on signing up for anything.

"Kirigami, you really have to join a club," Sugimoto said, grinning from behind Haruto's desk while leaning against the desk itself. "You immediately head home after school. What do you actually do there anyway?"

Haruto hardly glanced up from his book. "Nothing."

Sugimoto sighed loudly. "Man, you're hopeless. At least pretend like you have a life outside of class."

Nasaki, who had been eavesdropping from her chair, laughed. "Maybe he likes being mysterious. It becomes him."

Haruto looked over at her, narrowing his eyes slightly. "I don't."

Nasaki leaned her chin on her hand. "Then why don't you prove it? Join a club for once."

"Isn't it boring being alone all the time?"

Haruto paused. The way she asked that question—it wasn't mocking. It was as if she truly wanted to understand.

Nasaki frowned but didn't push further.

Even though he declined, Haruto found himself being pulled along with Nasaki to check out some clubs. She had no issue signing up for several activities, but Haruto hardly noticed.

The basketball club was too noisy. The literature club too silent. The art club reeked of paint. Nothing caught his attention.

After sixty minutes, he asked Nasaki, "Are we finished?"

She pouted. "You didn't even try."

"Then I told you I'm not interested."

Nasaki let out a sigh, then smiled. "Okay, okay. I won't bother you."

Haruto nodded to himself, figuring that was a wrap. But then—

Nasaki stood by his side, hands clasped behind her, regarding him quizzically. The corridor was almost deserted, the faint ring of students' voices still floating in the air.

"What are you even asking me that for?" he demanded.

Nasaki shrugged. "I was just wondering."

Nasaki studied his face carefully, her lips curling into a playful smile. "You hesitated."

Haruto clicked his tongue. "You're imagining things."

Nasaki laughed softly, but she didn't tease him further. Instead, she simply walked beside him, a satisfied look on her face.

Haruto didn't understand why she looked so amused. And for some reason, that irritated him.

Later that night, when Haruto was in bed, he couldn't help but think about Nasaki's question.

He had replied without hesitation. But now, as he thought back on the scene in his mind, he wasn't so certain anymore.

Because when he tried to picture what 'liking someone' was like—

The first person who came to mind was Nasaki.

Chapter 13: A Question That Changes Everything